Bermuda Militia 1612–1687 facts for kids
The Bermuda militia was a group of citizen soldiers who protected the island of Bermuda from 1612 to 1687. They served under different rulers, including the Virginia Company, the Somers Isles Company, and later the British Crown. In 1687, the first official law about the militia was passed.
Contents
Early Days of Bermuda's Defense
Spain claimed all of the New World, including Bermuda. They tried to stop other European countries, especially England, from settling there. England's first attempts to settle in North America faced threats from Spanish forces.
Bermuda also faced Spanish threats. English settlers arrived in Bermuda by accident in 1609. The first official settlers came in 1612 with Governor Richard Moore. His main concern was to defend the colony from a possible attack. He started building forts around Castle Harbour and the Town of St. George's.
Forming the Militia
A militia was formed to operate the cannons in these forts. Many early settlers were tenant farmers. They worked for the company that owned Bermuda and gave most of their crops to them. To encourage people to join the militia, the company reduced the payments for those who volunteered.
Even though Spain never attacked, a Spanish ship did appear near Castle Harbour soon after the settlement began. The ship turned and left after the militia fired warning shots. People say the militia had only enough gunpowder left for one more shot!
Improving the Militia
Under Governor Nathaniel Butler (1619–1622), the groups at each fort were reorganized. Each fort had several militia members led by a trained artillery captain. Also, each parish (a local area) had to create a company of volunteers. They also had to build a storage house for weapons and food. Each militia member received a sword and a musket. All muskets had to be the same size for easier use.
Changes for Bermuda
In 1624, the Virginia Company, which managed settlements in North America, was dissolved. However, Bermuda was managed by a separate company called The Somers Isles Company since 1615. This company continued to run Bermuda as a business until King Charles II dissolved it in 1684.
This change was very important for Bermuda. The island could stop focusing on farming and instead focus on building ships and sailing. Bermudians also became very involved in the salt industry in the Turks and Caicos. This is where Bermudians launched their first independent military trip.
The end of the company also meant the end of the system where people worked for a set time to pay for their travel. This system had provided workers and helped prevent the widespread use of forced labor, which was common in other farming colonies.
Strengthening Defenses
When Sir Robert Robinson became governor in 1687, he was a naval officer. He found that the forts and cannons were not being properly maintained. They were not ready for action day or night. Because of this poor state of defense, Sir Robert helped pass Bermuda's first Militia Act. This law made sure the colony's defenses were properly managed.
